Energy Efficiency Barriers in Industrial Operations: Evidence from the Italian SMEs Manufacturing Industry

摘要

This paper aims at providing an identification and analysis of the most relevant barriers that limit a widespread implementation of the Best Available Technologies and Practices through the investigation of a large number of case studies of non-energy intensive manufacturing SMEs in Northern Italy. The role of SMEs is particularly relevant in the economy of Western countries (and particularly in Italy), where they cover a consistent share of the energy consumption of a whole National industrial sector. This study, starting from the literature, proposes a more operational definition of the energy efficiency barriers, evaluates the most diffused and perceived barriers and identifies the possible tools in support of manufacturing enterprises to overcome them. The final results put in evidence several barriers as the lack of capital and issues related to the information, and also the importance to avoid bundling together SMEs of different sizes and sectors. This study represents a preliminary contribution for the promotion of National policies that would lead to a widespread increase of the overall energy efficiency of the investigated territory, along with strong benefits for the whole local industrial system.